MELODIES IN STONE: THE DEPICTION OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS IN GANDHARA ART

Abstract

Ancient Gandhāra remained a vibrant center of culture, religion, education, trade and commerce. The people of Gandhāra were passionate about art, music, and dance, which is reflected in the intricate carvings and sculptures from that period. These artworks often depict scenes of merry-making and dancing, showcasing the region’s lively cultural atmosphere. Particularly notable is the depiction of the musical instruments in Gandhāra art, which highlights the refined aesthetic sense of the people. The skillful portrayal of these instruments further emphasizes the region’s deep appreciation for music and arts of their time. In this article which is a part of M.Phil. dissertation titled, ‘Continuation of Cultural Traditions in Peshawar valley as revealed in Gandhāra art’, I will highlight the well- known representations of the musical instruments in this art.